Parental Choice Matters: Why a Diverse Early Years Sector is Key

A recent visual from the government claims that new school based nurseries will “save parents thousands of pounds.” While any policy that aims to ease the financial burden on families is welcome, it’s essential we take a step back and reflect on the broader picture. Because what truly matters in early education isn’t just the setting, it’s the quality of the experiences for our youngest children.

What I am sure about is this: there is space within the early years sector for both Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI), nurseries, childminders and school based nurseries. Each will offer different unique strengths, distinct approaches, and flexibility that can cater to the varied needs of children and their families. To suggest that one model is inherently better than another oversimplifies a much more nuanced landscape.

The emphasis should remain firmly on supporting parental choice. Families are not one size fits all, and neither are early years settings. Some parents may value the wraparound care and community rooted ethos of PVI settings, or the home feel of a childminder; others may find that a school based nursery best suits their routine or educational preferences. What matters is that families have access to a range of high quality options.

Let’s not forget what makes the biggest difference to children’s outcomes: the quality of interactions, the commitment of skilled practitioners, and the strength of relationships built in those early years settings. A child doesn’t thrive simply because they’re in a school based nursery, they thrive because they are nurtured, understood, and supported by professionals who truly know how to meet their individual needs.

Recognising the value that each type of setting brings and maintaining a diverse early years landscape is vital. It’s how we ensure all children regardless of their background, get the best possible start in life.

In short, let’s champion choice. Let’s invest in quality. And let’s support a sector that works together, not against itself. I want choice for parents and if that is a school based nursery, a PVI setting or a childminder then that is how their child’s gets the best start in life.